Multidrive vs. VT1 vs. Agro vs. Leeds

OldogNewTrick · #1 07-13-2011, 04:59 AM

Looking to add some aggression to my tone... have watched youtube clips, have searched TB threads, still no conclusion, can't afford all 4 to try out either....

The issue came about (unsuccessfully) trying to tweak my VT pedal to get closer to a Wetton or Entwistle tone... looking also for the potential to dial in some modern tones.

What do you recommend ?

FaithNoMan · #2 07-13-2011, 09:09 PM

I have the Leeds and I think it comes the closest to Wetton and Entwistle direct than any I've heard. After all, it is emulating a HiWatt and that's what John(E) and John(W) played.

Pretty good Entwistle sound here:

‪Leeds SansAmp Character Series‬&rlm; - YouTube

Here's a clip of it, sans drums, with my Ric:

MP3 Player SoundClick

alexa. · #3 07-14-2011, 11:45 AM

Multidrive won't get you there. I tried.

OldogNewTrick · #4 07-15-2011, 06:49 AM

thanks for your replies. So...

VT - doesn't work, I tried
Multidrive - doesn't work, Alexa tried
Leeds - will work, FaithNoMan tried

anybody try to tweak the Agro to that tone ?

blastjv · #5 07-15-2011, 07:05 AM

I haven't tried. I honestly have enough trouble chasing the tone I have in my head, so I really never try to get any other tones.....

BUT, I think the Agro would have a good shot at getting that tone.

-JV

casio · #6 07-15-2011, 07:25 AM

I believe the Agro would get close, but I would bet my money on the Leeds.
And thats not only because I have it on my board!

FaithNoMan · #7 07-16-2011, 11:23 PM

I love my Leeds, but now I really want to try out a new pedal. The Catalinbread WIIO.

I just wonder how good it will sound Direct into my computer.

It sounds badass here:

‪Catalinbread WIIO: Pinball Wiz‬&rlm; - YouTube

I like the bass at :33 and again at :37 a LOT. And the rest of the clip on both instruments.

bigchiefbc · #8 07-17-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

I love my Leeds, but now I really want to try out a new pedal. The Catalinbread WIIO.

I just wonder how good it will sound Direct into my computer.

It sounds badass here:

Catalinbread WIIO: Pinball Wiz ? - YouTube

I like the bass at :33 and again at :37 a LOT. And the rest of the clip on both instruments.

If you do get a WIIO, please make a head-to-head clip. I've been dying to hear a real comparison.

FaithNoMan · #9 07-17-2011, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

If you do get a WIIO, please make a head-to-head clip. I've been dying to hear a real comparison.

You got it, man

- I just won a red/black on on the 'bay last night for $129.

I wonder if it's a version II??

Catalinbread WIIO (Red) USED - eBay (item 380355180896 end time Jul-17-11 00:39:21 PDT)

That being said - the Leeds comes the closest, direct, to the sound in my head of all the pedals I've tried so far.

**DosiYanarchy** · #10 07-18-2011, 01:36 PM

I'd definitely go for the Leeds - so much more tweakability. I had one (havent tried the WIIO tho) and its absolutely nailed what the VT couldnt quite do in terms of explosive entwistle-like tones.

FaithNoMan · #11 07-20-2011, 06:52 PM

My excitement quickly died off after realizing the WIIO doesn't do "direct recorded" so good.

I don't have a mic for an amp, but I think it sounds similar to the Leeds with the amp sim bypassed. Very similar.
I know it sounds great through an amp, though.

I'll be sending her back.

EDIT: I wish I could add the speakersim to the WIIO, actually.

Where's JimmyM? I know he has the answers...

OldogNewTrick · #12 07-21-2011, 03:46 AM

Thanks for all your input !

Common consent seems to be that the basis has to be the Leeds.

So... if I use the Leeds as preamp into a power-amp to emulate a Hiwatt rig (at different drive levels), I should still use the Agro to get distortion. Otherwise I won't be able to switch between clean and distorted.

FaithNoMan · #13 07-21-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldogNewTrick

Thanks for all your input !

Common consent seems to be that the basis has to be the Leeds.

So... if I use the Leeds as preamp into a power-amp to emulate a Hiwatt rig (at different drive levels), I should still use the Agro to get distortion. Otherwise I won't be able to switch between clean and distorted.

I would just get a distortion pedal.

Would probably be cheaper and sound just as good as the agro, going into the Leeds.

OldogNewTrick · #14 07-21-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

I would just get a distortion pedal.

Would probably be cheaper and sound just as good as the agro, going into the Leeds.

which one would you suggest ?

G.Bisson · #15 07-22-2011, 10:00 AM

Agro would get you close, but some other pedal might get you closer. Agro doesn't color the tone much at all. You may want some amp or tube emulation . Haven't tried the Leeds but it is a good bet.

and i agree: the multidrive wont get you there, not aggressive enough.

FaithNoMan · #16 07-22-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldogNewTrick

which one would you suggest ?

Something natural, like the DOD preamp 250, which can be found for dirt cheap. It won't overtly color your tone, and the Leeds can be used as your "amp", being pushed into heavy OD.

Any suggestions for putting a speakersim into my WIIO pedal? I don't want to give up on it just yet. I know JimmyM has a mod guy he sent his British Character pedal to - wondering if he can put a speakersim into the WIIO.

alexa. · #17 07-27-2011, 09:19 AM

I love the Sparkle Drive into a good preamp!

Melvin7822 · #18 07-27-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

Something natural, like the DOD preamp 250, which can be found for dirt cheap. It won't overtly color your tone, and the Leeds can be used as your "amp", being pushed into heavy OD.

Any suggestions for putting a speakersim into my WIIO pedal? I don't want to give up on it just yet. I know JimmyM has a mod guy he sent his British Character pedal to - wondering if he can put a speakersim into the WIIO.

+1 The DOD 250 is an excellent choice. If you want to go even further, a Way Huge Pork Loin would be awesome as well.